5 important things that happened in South Africa’s car industry this week

These were the five biggest stories in South Africa’s automotive industry this week.

Next-generation VW Tiguan unveiled

VW has revealed the next generation of the Tiguan, its best-selling model around the world with over 7.6 million sales.

Now utilizing the brand’s MQB Evo platform, the SUV has been improved in several areas with a considerable visual overhaul and the incorporation of features previously reserved for VW’s range-topping vehicles.

The carmaker has confirmed that the Tiguan will be brought to South Africa in 2024 and that customers should be able to get their hands less than a year from now.

South Africa’s first electric double cab goes on sale

A new vehicle distributor, Maxus Electric Vehicles, has launched in South Africa, bringing with it the country’s first all-electric double cab.

Maxus is an associate of the Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC) making it the latest Chinese automaker to open on South African soil.

The company has launched three vehicles, including the T90 EV bakkie, which has an electric driving range of 354km.

Petrol prices in October expected to be the highest in 15 months

South Africa is expected to see a substantial jump in the cost of both petrol and diesel next month, according to the latest data from the Central Energy Fund.

If the current projections hold true, prices could go past the R25-per-litre mark – a figure not seen since July 2022, around 15 months ago.

The rising costs are mainly attributed to an increase in international oil prices, and the deteriorating rand/US dollar exchange rate.

New GWM Tank 500 coming to South Africa

The Chinese carmaker GWM earlier this year announced its intentions to launch the new GWM Tank 500 in South Africa in early 2024.

Made by its dedicated Tank 4×4 division, the 500 is the larger sibling of the Tank 300, which is scheduled to arrive in local dealers before the end of 2023.

Taking aim at the upmarket SUV category, the Tank 500 is expected to feature a 3.0-litre, V6, twin-turbo petrol plant in combination with mild-hybrid technology – complemented by a raft of high-end technologies.

Uber breaks silence on “secret” airport fees in South Africa

Uber has responded to media inquiries over its “secret” fees being charged to South Africans travelling to and from airports.

The matter involves multiple claims from app users that the company placed additional fees on their fares after the rider had already accepted a ride without notifying them.

Uber and other e-hailing services such as Bolt were also hit with protests from drivers this week over issues faced in the industry.